If you haven't done much cooking before and are trying to get a feel for how to handle things around the kitchen, there are some good ways to get started. Beginning with simple things such as drink recipes, appetizers and cookie recipes is the perfect way to get your feet wet without too much pressure. Plus, making these items can be a lot of fun. You can try the recipes out on friends and family, keep the ones you like and discard the rest. There is bound to be a bump or two along the way, but you will be building confidence as well.

Drink recipes are about as simple as you can get. Experiment around with things such as hot chocolate, smoothies and iced tea to get going. After you have mastered some basic drink recipes, you can try out fancy cocktails such as cosmopolitans, or even try your hand at creating a punch bowl for a party. Browsing the drink recipes and deciding what to try is nearly as much fun as making them.

Appetizers are another good way to go when you are getting started. Begin with things such as cold dips, deviled eggs and snack mixes and find your favorite recipes. When you're ready to learn more, try out fancier fare and make things such as layered dips, chicken wings or mini meatballs with sauce. Mini egg rolls and bacon-wrapped cocktail wieners are other favorites worth a try.

Cookie recipes vary in difficulty, but they tend to fall on the easier side when it comes to baked items. Everyone loves to find a chocolate chip cookie recipe that they can make well, and you can even add your own touch by including walnuts or pecans. Other cookie recipes to consider are sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies and oatmeal raisin; all of which are easy to make. Try to find yourself a good holiday recipe as well. Gingerbread is a good option, but there are plenty of cookie recipes out there to choose from.

Once you have a bit of confidence, you may want to try tackling some easy cooking recipes, like chicken or beef, as well as some bread recipes and pasta dishes next. Working your way up to more difficult dishes while learning the basics is a great way to get more comfortable in the kitchen. Before you know it you'll be ready to tackle the Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings!

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